CBI records more statements in 1984 riot case

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Wednesday informed a court here that it had recorded statements of some more witnesses in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case allegedly involving Congress leader Jagdish Tytler. The CBI filed its status report, along with a CD and some relevant documents pertaining to the case, in the court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sanjeev Jain.

Counsel for Tytler also moved an application asking for a copy of the report and other documents from the investigating agency, but the court rejected the demand.

“This is a sensitive matter, so disclosing of names and documents at this point can pose danger to the lives of the witnesses,” said the judge.

The court also ordered that till further orders from the Delhi High Court, no proceeding will take place in the trial court and posted the matter to Sep 3.

In December last year, Jasbir Singh, who now lives in California, the US, told the Indian media that he had seen Tytler inciting a murderous mob during the riots that followed the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi Oct 31, 1984. More than 2,000 Sikhs were killed in the violence in the capital and elsewhere.

Jasbir Singh accused the CBI of not doing a thorough probe and not recording his statement.

He filed a petition with the Delhi High Court that he feared for his life and would rather give his statement from the US through video-conferencing than be present in the trial court and testify.

However, the CBI submitted to the court that Jasbir Singh’s presence in India was necessary as the agency needed to confront him with other investigated material on record.

The court adjourned the hearing till Aug 26, but said its interim order directing the CBI not to file any closure report in the case will continue to be in force.

The CBI recommended Sep 29 that Tytler cannot be prosecuted for his involvement in the anti-Sikh riots and the case against Kishan Sharma, co-accused, be closed as no evidence could be found against him.